The 46th annual proclamation ceremony honoring the students who participated in this year’s C.M. Russell Museum essay contest for fifth-grade students will be held Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m. at the museum.

Mayor Michael Winters will declare March as Charles M. Russell Month, a tradition that began in 1969 and commemorates the western artist’s March 19 birthday.

Each year, fifth-graders throughout Cascade County write an essay that begins with “I like Charlie Russell because.”

In preparation for the essay contest, fifth-graders tour the museum during January. During the tour, students were met by historic interpreter Mary Jane Bradbury, of Helena, who portrayed Nancy Russell. As Nancy, Bradbury gave the students insights into Russell’s life and work.

During the ceremony, the museum will recognize the essay contest winners from each of the 23 participating schools. Two grand-prize winners will be selected and announced at the ceremony.

The classrooms of the grand-prize winners have the opportunity to create a “painted story quilt” with a member of the museum’s educational department. Russell Museum programs manager Kim Kapalka designed the story quilt project to broaden the essay contest’s scope and include a visual art element.

The winning essays and classroom quilts from the past two years will be on display at the Russell Museum through March.

Costs related to the event were funded by the Holm family, U.S. Bank and the Windmill Foundation.

The museum is located at 400 13th St. N. Call 727-8787 or visit www.cmrussell.org for more.